J Formos Med Assoc
-
The small retinal vessels reflect cerebral microcirculation and its fractal dimension (Df), representing the complexity of the retinal microcirculation. However, the connection between retinal circulation and cognitive function lacked consistent and longitudinal evidence. This study aimed to explore the association between retinal vascular complexity and cognitive impairment over time in non-demented community-dwelling older adults. ⋯ Low retinal vascular complexity of the right or left eye may be differentially associated with cognitive domains in community-dwelling older adults over two years. The retinal vascular Df of either eye may be served as a screening tool for detecting cognitive impairment in the preclinical phase of dementia.
-
Surgical resection is a curative therapy for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, HCC recurrence is not uncommon. Identifying outcome predictors helps to manage the disease. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) may predict the development of HCC, but its role to predict the outcomes after surgical resection of HCC was unclear. This study aimed to investigate pre-operative GGT levels for outcome prediction in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC. ⋯ Pre-operative GGT levels ≥38 U/L independently predict high risks of HCC recurrence and all-cause mortality in HBV-related HCC patients receiving surgical resection.
-
To delineate the 10 years' trend regarding Taiwanese adolescents' health perspectives and compare the differences of six adolescent health aspects between Taiwan and the U.S. ⋯ We should continuously monitor the health status trend of the adolescents to provide them with a healthier environment and well-being.